WOMEN'S FREERIDE BOARD #5

Whilst not what I would call strictly a freeride board, the Dream Catcher is something that I would call all-mountain bordering on Freeride, but it's certainly the kind of board that you can use for freeriding and scores well enough in the category to make this list.

It's the kind of board that is at home in powder, on the groomers, in the trees but also something that's forgiving enough that you can also take it for the occasional park lap.

This is the cheapest board on this list too, so makes for a good low cost freeride option.

Learn more about the Dream Catcher in the Video Below

This video is for the 2018 model, but essentially the same thing as the 2019 model. The 2019 model comes in a couple of extra sizes.

Score Breakdown for the Dream Catcher

FACTOR

rating (OUT OF 5)

contribution to final score

Carving

4.0

24/30

Powder

4.0

16/20

Speed

4.5

18/20

Uneven Terrain

3.0

9/15

Jumps

3.0

6/10

Switch

3.0

3/5

TOTAL after normalizing​

84.4/100

WOMEN'S FREERIDE BOARD #4

The first board on the list, coming in at #5, is (to use it’s full name) GNU’s x Airblaster Super Progressive Air Machine (SPAM). Probably the longest name in snowboarding history – but that’s not the only extraordinary factory that the SPAM has.

It’s also a hard charging, yet at the same time somewhat surfy, board – you’ve got a mostly camber C3 camber profile that just loves to carve groomers and a tapered directional shape that helps with float in powder.

So if you’re looking for a freeride board that can carve and bomb but still feel nice and surfy in powder, and you want to stand out on the mountain, then the SPAM might be just what you’re looking for.

Note: this board only comes in one size (a 151).

Learn more about the Super Progressive Air Machine in the Video Below

This video is for the male model, but it's essentially the same thing but in a different size.

FREERIDE BOARD #2

In at #2, we have Never Summer’s Aura. This is Never Summer’s hardest charging Women’s board so if you like to bomb the steeps, ride the backcountry, carve up the groomers and love to play in powder whenever you get the chance, then the Aura will be a great weapon to have under your feet.

On top of that, the Aura is also one of those versatile boards that will perform well with jumps and allow you to ride switch if you feel the need. It's freeride, with a bit of an all-mountain feel to it as well.

Learn more about the Aura in the Video Below

This video is for the 2017 model. Once I find something for the 2018 model I’ll put it up here.

Score Breakdown for the Aura

FACTOR

rating (OUT OF 5)

contribution to final score

Carving

4.5

27/30

Powder

3.5

14/20

Speed

4.0

16/20

Uneven Terrain

4.0

12/15

Jumps

3.5

7/10

Switch

3.0

3/5

TOTAL after normalizing​

87.8/100

FREERIDE BOARD #1

Unlike the Aura and Dream Catcher (#2 and #5 boards in this list), which I’d say are freeride with an all-mountain after-taste, the Women’s Flagship (similar to the men’s version but with a slightly softer flex) is a pure freeride board.

It knows only one direction down the mountain – but it will really bomb in that direction and can charge in whatever terrain you throw at it.

If carving is your thing but you still definitely want a board that floats awesomely in powder and is super fast, then the Flagship should be high on your list.

Definitely for the more advanced rider who likes to charge hard and likes things steep and deep.

Learn more about the Flagship in the Video Below

Score Breakdown for the Flagship

FACTOR

rating (OUT OF 5)

contribution to final score

Carving

4.0

24/30

Powder

5.0

20/20

Speed

5.0

20/20

Uneven Terrain

3.0

9/15

Jumps

3.0

6/10

Switch

2.5

2.5/5

TOTAL after normalizing​

90.6/100

Over to You

Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped you to the best women’s freeride snowboard for you. Check out the links under each board for more info.

About Nate

Nate is passionate about and loves learning new things everyday about snowboarding, particularly the technical aspects of snowboarding gear. That, and becoming a better rider and just enjoying and getting the most out of life.

Comments

With all the great deals I am looking into getting a new board. I feel I am a level 4 intermediate rider and looking to progress. I do tend to skid some turns if it is pretty steep. I like the look of the Hel Yes but am wondering if it might be too much board for me. I have ridden the Yes Basic 155 and really enjoyed it but rode an Emoticon in a 152 and felt it was too soft . I am 5’11, 150lbs and a size 9.5 boot.

I think that anything from a 152cm to 155cm would be a good size range to look at for you. As it sounds like the flex of the Emoticon felt too soft, then looking for something that’s a bit stiffer is also a good idea. But I’m not sure the Hel Yes is necessarily the best next step – I suspect, as you do, that it would be a step too far. It’s quite an aggressive board and quite stiff and could really slow down your progression.

I would say that the Emoticon is a medium-soft flexing board – whereas the Hel Yes is a medium-stiff flexing board. Something in the middle – i.e. a medium flexing board might be the best way to go for you. So I think an all mountain board or an all-mountain-freestyle board (one with a medium flex of course) is a good choice. You can check out the link below for some options.

There are some in those lists that are medium-soft or medium-stiff – so for you I would skip those.

These aren’t exhaustive lists by any means, so if nothing in there appeals to you, let me know and I can give you some other options in that medium flex range.

The other thing to look out for is waist width. For your 9.5s I think something in the range 245mm to 251mm is a good waist width range to look at.

The other thing is that you could look at men’s boards if you didn’t have any qualms about that. For example the YES Basic 155cm has a 251mm waist width – and you said that you liked it – so that could be an option. Let me know if you are open to men’s boards and I can give you some other options if you’d like. But saying that I think there will be some great options in the lists linked above.

Thanks for such a detailed review. I was thinking of the Jones Twin Sister but I can’t find it anywhere at a good price… I did think about the Gnu Eco Choice but I think that even though I like riding switch and doing jumps I feel a board with camber between the bindings is the better choice for carving. I have decided to get a Yes Basic, sadly the link through your site is sold out. I really like the board and I feel like it is a board that I can ride for the next couple of seasons and progress with it. Then perhaps I will look towards an asymmetrical board. Maybe by then Yes will make something for the ladies 🙂 I saw the Never Summer is an asymmetrical board and it looks really nice but after having the laminate come off a NS board after 4 days of riding and NS wanted nothing to do with the board saying it was my fault and refusing to do anything about it.

Thanks again and I have learned a ton from your site, it’s got such great info.

Yeah, the YES Basic has been a very popular board this year. I hope you find it somewhere in your size.

The Never Summer Proto Type 2 is asym – but it’s also rocker between the bindings and it sounds like you want something that’s camber between the bindings (plus the issues you had with their top sheet).

The YES Greats is an asym and comes in a 152 or 154. It’s not a ladies board either though. Would be good to see more YES ladies boards – they only have the Emoticon and Hel Yes – something in between them would be great.

Hello,
I left a previous comment about board waist width help and sizing for a new women’s freeride board. I have since found out my feet are slightly different sizes and have more accurate sizing info for waist width and boot size and could use some help.

My left foot (I ride with this foot in front/regular stance) measures 9.25-9.3 inches. My right foot measures 9.45-9.55 inches. I also have wide feet making sizing more difficult.

Height: 5’6”
Weight: 160-180 lbs (large stocky frame w/ natural muscle)
Previous Board: Rome Blue 155cm- full camber not hybrid camber stiff freeride board. Loved it. I mistakingly bought a Gnu B-Pro C2 BTX 155cm board and hated it. I think it was way too wide and too soft for me. It had a 248mm waist width and measured 10 inches across at binding inserts underneath the board. I found it very noodly and loosy and had horrible trips snowboarding with it. Needless to say I’m looking for a new board.
Skill Level: Upper Intermediate-Low Advanced freeriding, (blue blacks and some blacks on powder days, carved linked turns not skidded), Beginner-Intermediate freestyle.
Issues: what waist width should I go with and what boards have a small enough waist width to also meet the fact I need 154-157cm length?
Boards that have small waist width and long length in Women’s freeride line I have found so far: Arbor Swoon Camber 155cm, Never Summer Aura 155 or 157 cm (not sure about another hybrid rocker though after Gnu B-Pro).
Boards I am also looking at if I can find a waist width that will work: Yes Hel Yes, Jones Flagship, Jones Dream Catcher, Rome Winterland, & Burton Family Tree family. Open to other suggestions you may have. Thanks!

I have read over our discussion from last year and your latest message, and I think we should probably be looking in that 235mm to 243mm waist width range, based on your foot size and previous experience with different boards.

The Aura would be a good size in that respect the 155 has that narrower 239mm waist – and compared to the B Pro’s C2 BTX profile, the Aura has Never Summer’s Ripsaw Rocker Camber, which is more camber oriented and less rockered, if that makes sense. But it would still be a risk going for that profile if you didn’t like the feel of rocker between your feet on the B Pro, so it might be safest to bypess that one.

I think the YES Hel Yes 155 (244mm waist, 288mm tip and tail) could work. It’s just outside the range we looked at in terms of waist width, but otherwise ticks all the boxes and would still be narrower than the B Pro (248mm waist, 290mm tip and tail).

The Flagship 154 is also a good option, IMO. It has a 243mm waist and a 284mm tail and 286mm tip. So it’s as narrow as the Aura 155 on the tail. This is probably a better option width-wise. You could go up to the 156 length-wise – but that would make things a little wider – 245mm waist, 287mm tail, 288mm tip.

Arbor Swoon Camber 155 (240mm waist, 281mm tip and tail). Size wise, I think this is looking pretty good. I’m not that familiar with Arbor boards but looking at the specs it seems to be less of a freeride type board. Has a centered stance for starters. Also, it’s softer than the other options and from previous comments it sounds like you want something on the stiffer side. Certainly the other options are stiff enough (Hel Yes, Flagship and Winterland) but the Swoon Camber sounds like it’s more mid-flexing. The others mid-stiff. Also, probably not going to float as well in powder.

Burton Family Tree Story Board 154 (245mm waist, 292mm nose, 282mm tail). So quite a big taper nose to tail. So is going to have a longer wider nose (great for powder). Should still be narrower at the inserts than the B Pro – certainly for the back foot. I’d say there’s certainly enough camber in there and quite stiff flexing.

Thanks for the help!
I am leaning towards the Jones Flagship 154cm I think if I rule out the Never Summer Aura (more on that below)…
I need new boots too and since my right foot is 9.55 inches approx I don’t think I will be able to wear less than a size 7.5 boot? (according to your chart) If I can find a 7.5 boot to fit my wide feet that is…looking at the 32 TM-Two Boots. Are the tm two XLT women’s not made anymore? According to product pages these seem stiffer than the original tm twos? On 32s website it lists the original tm twos as medium flex? There is also a Jones women’s boot listed on 32 website that says stiff but I can’t find much info about it.
The Rome Blue I rode to death measures 9.75-9.8 inches across the binding inserts on the underside. I would guess this would be the widest I would ever want to go? (247 mm waist) I think the fact this board was so stiff and so responsive helped overshadow the fact it was pretty wide for me but I should probably stay at or under a 245mm waist I think.
Did the Gnu B Pro have rocker underfoot? If the Never Summer Aura has camber instead underfoot I might not notice the rocker so much in between the bindings or what do you think? How does the Never Summer float in powder if it has such a cambered nose? This is definitely the best option size wise if it would be cambered and stiff enough for me and also stable underfoot,

I used to be able to ride some with my right foot in front and have ridden switch with my right foot in front..do you think it would be worthwhile to try switching back to riding goofy since my right foot is bigger or will this not make that much of a difference in board handling?

The rocker in the C2 BTX did end before the inserts – so there is a little camber underfoot on the C2 BTX. Which is the same on the Aura. I’d say you probably feel the camber more in a Ripsaw Rocker, than you do on a C2 BTX. It doesn’t feel quite as loose to me (from experience on men’s equivalents) but you still feel that rocker between your feet – and whilst it feels more stable – I’d say it’s still on the looser side of stable compared with something like the Flagship or Hel Yes So, I think it would be a risk to go down that path again. You might be ok on it but wouldn’t be the safest bet, just for how you’ve felt with the B Pro. I mean it’s a different board – it’s stiffer, setback etc, but still not sure it would be the feel you’re looking for.

In terms of float for the Aura. It seems counter-intuitive that a cambered nose would float well, but that rocker between the feet actually helps with float as does the setback stance and there is also a little transition area after the camber towards the tip and tail that just flattens it out again, which also helps. It’s still not going to float as well as something like the Flagship, but will give better float than the B Pro and maybe a little more so than your Rome Blue did.

Thirty Two are still doing the XLT for the women’s TM-Two. I found it in the following place:

For 32 boots, I find that I need to go 1/2 a size up. So you might need to go into 8s for 32. But that’s fine. That won’t affect your leverage and for the boards that we looked at 8s won’t be too long, even 8.5s would be fine on them.

Unless you feel just as comfortable riding goofy, I would change direction. A little bit of a longer foot on the right probably isn’t enough to make up a change to a less natural direction. I actually have the opposite of you – my left is slightly longer and I ride goofy. I personally wouldn’t switch to riding regular.

Hope this covers everything and gives you more to go off for your decisions.

The 143 would be the best size for you, IMO, assuming you are a reasonably competent rider (which I’m guessing you are if you’re looking at the Aura). If you were wanting to ride it for like epic big mountain, catskiing or heliskiing or something like that, then 146 might be a better option. But as an all-mountain board, I’d definitely say 143, for your specs, IMO.

Thank you! I did demo the board and thought it was a really fun ride. Unfortunately, I’m an east coast rider and the day I demo’d was great conditions, but atypical for us so I’m having some second thoughts. I’m a competent rider. Right now, i still have a beginner flat board. In comparison, the aura felt incredibly stable and super easy to turn and was overall just felt more fun and lively.

As I’m doing a little more research, I’m a little concerned about how this board will ride in hardpack. I was looking into YES hel yes, rossignol diva, GNU ladies choice, and capita birds of a feather. What do you think?

I find Never Summer boards are typically pretty good in hard/icy conditions. If I had to put a number on it, I’d say 4/5 in those conditions. The likes of the YES Hel Yes, Rossi Diva and GNU Ladies Choice would be a step better, but the BOAF would be not quite as good. I would say, purely in terms of hard/icy conditions.

Also, I would say that the Hel Yes is the same category of board as the Aura, but the Diva, Ladies Choice and BOAF would be what I would consider all-mountain-freestyle boards – a little more freestyle oriented. Which is fine if that’s what you’re after. But if you’re after something more freeride oriented, then the Hel Yes or Aura are the best bets.

I would prefer freeride but I am an east coast rider. I want a board i can bomb down a groomer and take in the trees when I can. I know the diva is more freestyle oriented but it seems that it performs great in the hardpack which is what most of our season is.

I’d say the biggest differences between these boards, performance-wise are:

1. The Aura will be better in powder
2. The Diva a little better in icy conditions
3. Diva better for riding switch
4. Aura a slightly looser feel – definitely not super loose, but a little “surfier” than the Diva

Also, the Aura is a little narrower overall, not be heaps but if you didn’t have anything else to use as a tie breaker between the 2, then width might help you decide. If you can let me know your boot size, I can recommend which one I think would be a better width for you.

Hey nate- thanks a bunch for the insight! It sounds like performance wise both these boards are pretty solid picks. I think since its still a pretty close tie, Im leaning towards aura over diva since i had the chance to demo and really enjoyed riding it, unless boot size is a detriment. Im a 7.5 which i believe is pretty close to maximum, but still within acceptable range on the aura. I would go 143 on the aura which i believe has a waist width of 234mm.

I’d say you could get on the Aura 143 with an 8 – and even something bigger depending on binding angles, so you shouldn’t have any issues with a 7.5, IMO. So that would be good width-wise. And yeah, since you’ve ridden it and know you like it (at least in certain conditions) – that’s certainly a point in the Aura’s direction.

Went with the aura. I was only able to take it out once and it was a surprise powder day so i still cant say how shell do on straight hardpack. She did great in the trees and felt super fast on flat traverses and still handled well when it got choppy in the afternoon. I did hit some icy areas later in the day and didnt slip out or anything .

I am an intermediate rider, 120lbs 5′ 5″. I live in Colorado (Aspen side) and LOVE steep and deep terrain. I will also ride in the trees and glades whenever possible. I do get on groomers often as well, but 99% of the time in good soft conditions. I’m looking for an all-mountain/freeride board that would be good in these conditions and advance my riding. I have no desire for park. I keep going back to the Jones Dream Catcher. The Arbor Swoon might be a good option as well. I really like the Jones Flagship, but I’m worried it might be too advanced for me. I’m thinking something in the 148-149cm range?Thoughts?? Thank you!!!

Size-wise, I’m thinking something more like 144, 145. However, for the dream catcher the 148 would be fine (it’s the kind of board that rides shorter than it’s overall length). 148, 149 if you were always in open powder, but I think going to more like 145 is a better balance in terms of also riding trees (personally I like something shorter in the trees).

Since you describe yourself as an intermediate rider, then yeah the Flagship might just be a touch too advanced.

The Swoon Rocker would be a good option too – I would say the 144 – but if you really wanted to go longer (e.g. if you’re used to/have a personal preference for that 148, 149 size), then you could go 148 there.

Nate – Thanks so much for your reply! I do ride a Rossi Trick Stick 151 currently. It was a freebie and has served me well as a learning board, but it’s time to move on for sure. Are there any other boards that you might recommend for me? Would you think the Never Summer Aura is too aggressive as well?

If you’re used to a 151 and you’re comfortable at that length, that makes 148 more palatable and perhaps the better size for you. But I’d say not as long as 151 this time.

The Never Summer Aura is right on the edge, IMO. It’s quite aggressive and quite stiff. It’s going to be something that you could ride as a high-end intermediate, but will be a little more challenging to begin with than something like the Dream Catcher or Swoon Rocker, but it’s a possibility.

The other option off the top of my head that’s a good intermediate level freeride board would be the GNU Klassy. Probably the 148, based on what you’re riding now. But there’s also a 145.

Hi Nate! I was looking for some guidance. I’m in debate between a Jones Flagship and the Hel Yes. Although I am open to different options i’m looking for a board particularly good with powder and backcountry. I’ve been snowboarding for roughly 14 years and own a Feelgood and Gnu B-Pro. Do you have a suggestion of which one may be a better fit or any particular suggestions?

Apologies for the slow response – just welcomed the arrival of my son on Wednesday!

Usually for your specs, I’d say the 148. But I’d also usually say to go a little longer than what you would ride for a more all-mountain or freestyle oriented board, for a freeride board like this, especially if you’re going to be riding it in deep powder. So, since you’re used to longer boards the 152 is also an option. I think the 154 would be getting a little long though – and also quite wide for 7s, IMO.

So yeah 148 would certainly ride well for your specs, IMO, but if you want that extra length for backcountry excursions and since you’re used to longer boards, then I think the 152 would also work for you.

I’m an upper intermediate rider, 5’5” and 125lbs. Been riding a 149 Feelgood for a few years, thinking about getting a Dreamcatcher for better float in powder and maybe better grip in icy conditions. How would the boards compare? Will 151 Dreamcatcher be suitable?

Generally speaking I would say something around a 144-146 would be good for your specs/ability. But I do like to take previous board length into consideration, so considering that you’re used to a 149 – and the fact that the Dream Catcher has a smaller effective edge compared to length than the Feelgood, then going longer than that is definitely an option.

The Dream Catcher is something you can ride a little longer, because of that effective edge, so ordinarily I would recommend the 148 for you for that particular board. But going with the 148 you would be dropping a reasonable amount of effective edge compared to what you’re used to. The 151 Dream Catcher still has less effective edge than the 149 Feelgood, but it’s pretty close. So, if you wanted to keep a similar effective edge, but have more float in powder, then the 151 Dream Catcher would be a good choice. You could still ride the 148 – and usually that’s what I’d recommend, but for you, you could certainly go 151 as well.

Been going through your other posts regarding effective edge and set back stance, so more questions.

I’m not a park person, definitely into carving n powder (when I get a chance). Will setting back my Feelgood makes a difference? I think Feelgood has a small set back, but will setting it all the way back help stop the nose sinking in powder and make backcountry less tiring ? How will setting back affect the control if I stay on groomers?

Yeah you could set it back further and that would certainly help with float to an extent. Assuming you have the Feelgood Camber? rather than Flying V – then it’s still going to be limited since there are no rocker sections to help it float. So, still wouldn’t be awesome in powder, but would improve it a little. It will affect your groomer riding (though you could move the bindings back into reference stance when there’s no powder). Personally I prefer not having too much setback on groomers. But I also like to ride switch a lot.

Like I mentioned in my other comment in the other post, I base my ratings on flex feel on snow, not on the official rating. It was my understanding that the Women’s Flagship is a touch softer flexing than the Men’s Flagship. My feel on the men’s flagship is an 8/10. Given that the Women’s version is supposed to feel a little softer, I have rated it 7/10. However, if the women’s version is now the same stiffness as the men’s version I am happy to discuss that and change the flex rating if warranted.

Hi Nate,
Thanks for the super helpful website! I’m planning to buy a new snowboard this season. I’d rate myself as intermediate level 5, looking for an all-mountain board that verges more on freeride (I don’t spend any time in the park and do like to play in powder). I’m 5’1, 98 lbs., size 6.5 boot. I’ve been looking at the Jones Dream Catcher. I imagine that the 142 is a good size but I do wonder if I want something just a tiny bit longer (my current board is a 142–I find myself wishing it were longer when I’m in deep powder but it’s a pretty flexy board not designed for that terrain/purpose). I’m curious as to your recommendation for length and if you have any other board recommendations. Thanks!

I think the Dream Catcher would be a great option for what you’re describing. And yeah, I would say 142 is the best size for your specs. However, it does depend on what you’re used to riding too. But it also depends on how suitable for powder your current board is. Extra length helps with powder but there a number of other things that contribute to float in powder, so if your current board isn’t suited to powder, then it might not necessarily mean that you need more length. I just wouldn’t want you to go too long on the Dream Catcher if it’s not necessary, which might sacrifice how it feels when not in powder.

If you know the brand and model (and year too, if you know it) of your current board, then I can make a more accurate assessment of size for the Dream Catcher.

After riding the last 8 years on a Roxy all mountain board I’ve decided to finally upgrade as I have probably outgrown my board 5 years ago! I am having trouble committing to a new board to buy and was looking for some advice.

A little background, I live on the east coast but in the last 4 years we have committed to mostly skiing ‘west’ coast like Colorado, Utah, Idaho and most recently Montana! Every once in a while we still take trips up to Vermont for short weekends. I have been snowboarding for over 10 years now and used to ski before that. After reading your blogs I have decided my style is mostly freeride and I’m at the Advance level 6. I love hitting the back bowls, hiking up to the “no fall zones”, surfing powder, going through trees, shoots and speeding down groomers. But, I am a first to last chair rider and inevitably hit the choppy end-of-the-day trails. After researching boards I find myself unable to commit and pull the trigger on buying a new board. I am currently between the Jones Flagship or the Burton Family Tree Story Board. I absolutely love a surfy powder ride, but since I only ski around 10 days a year I can’t guarantee a powder day.
I find myself wishing I can get advice from someone who knows what they are talking about. I feel like the ski stores by me just try to sell be boards that they have in stock and that tend to be good for beginner riders on man made snow or the icy conditions on the east coast. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The Story Board sounds like it would fit what you’re describing well. The only thing would be edge-hold in hard/icy conditions. The Flagship also ticks most boxes, with the only thing being how it feels in choppy snow. Though neither would be bad enough at either to be a deal breaker, IMO. If that makes sense. The Aura would also be a good fit, sacrificing a little in powder though.

Another option would be the GNU Klassy or Hyper Kyarve (surfy). A little softer flexing, if that’s OK. But have some different strengths and weaknesses to give you some other options to consider.

But I think one of Story Board or Flagship would be a great option. Just a matter of whether you wanted to sacrifice a little in terms of edge-hold or a little in terms of performance on end of day chop.

Wanted to get your input. I’ve been riding a for awhile now. Originally had an all mtn board got pretty good, intermediate to expert. I thought I was going to go the park route and started riding a 140 Never Summer Onyx (might have been a little short for me)… borderline park all mountain board. Needless to say, started riding with a pow pack as my other friends started having babies and it has been tumultuous last few years for me. Craving down down blacks and having my board start bending in the middle and wiping me out, launching off of moguls, having my knees turn into pistons to fight chatter/turbulence, or surfing tumultuous powder that inadvertently turns me into an acrobat as I get caught in it..lol..

I’ve decided it’s time change boards for snow chasing trips I’ve been doing and stop torturing myself. I was thinking of going to the hel yes route with 146. I don’t know if it’s too big for me. I’m about 5’3 and range in weight from 110-120. Right now i’m on the lighter spectrum of weight. Any input or suggestion on my potential choice for a board.

Size-wise, something around 143 would work well, IMO, but you could go a little longer for the type of terrain you’re riding mostly, if you wanted. But, since you’re coming from a soft flexing 140, I wouldn’t go too much past 143. For the Hel Yes, the 146 is the smallest size. Would be doable, but bigger than ideal, IMO.

I’m having trouble figuring out what kind of snowboard I should be looking for. I’m a 47 yr old mom and haven’t gotten a lot of runs in over the years…. sadly, mostly once a year vacations but I hope to change that. I don’t want to go fast or go anywhere near mogul runs. I just love making pretty turns on the groomers, feeling like I am skateboarding down the hill. I would like something with a bit better control and anything that will make nice turns. I currently ride a beautiful 20 year old yellow salomon board. I would say I’m an intermediate rider. I can ride switch but only do so to navigate around something. I ride with both feet at a positive angle.

Since you don’t want something to ride fast on, and since you classify yourself as intermediate, I would probably be looking at something more all-mountain than freeride. Freeride tend to be more aggressive and are typically stiffer. The Dream Catcher would be the best option off this list for you, but you might also want to check out the following:

I think something like the Jones Twin Sister, Burton Feelgood Flying V, Arbor Swoon Rocker or Rossignol Frenemy would work well or something like the Salomon Rumble Fish or Capita Paradise. The latter 2 won’t be as good for riding powder, if you like to ride off the groomer sometimes. You could also look at the Never Summer Infinity if you were looking for something that was really easy going and a little more surfy/loose.

Size is also important. If you’re not sure of the best size for you, I would be happy to give you my opinion. I would just need your height, weight and boot size.

Looks like my comment wasn’t approved yet. I’ll just uodate…
47 yr old mom. Just want to make nice controlled turns down the groomers. I tend to lose my heel edge when I pick up too much speed or hit steep skied off patches. Don’t ride switch unless necessary. Rately see powder. East coast with some trips to Utah or CO in my future. I tend to stay off the narrow trails because they just feel like hard work staying on edge. Want to update my 20 year old Salomon which is 146 cm. I am 5’ 3 1/2” and weigh 130 lbs. Just bought Burton step on in size 6.5. (Love them). No idea what snowboard I should look at.

Size-wise, I would say sticking with something around that 146cm mark is a good idea. Width-wise, with 6.5s, preferably less than 234mm at the waist. But for boards wider than that you could size-down the length a little to compensate for that.

So, for the boards mentioned (not including the Feelgood Flying V or the Capita Paradise – just because they’re not as good for East Coast conditions, IMO):

~ Twin Sister 146 (or you could ride 143 for a more easy going ride and also it’s on the wider side for 6.5s, IMO, so sizing down isn’t a bad idea).
~ Dream Catcher 145 (this is something you could actually ride in the 148 for length, as it’s the type of board you can ride a little longer, but I think the 145 would be a good balance between length and width for you)
~ Arbor Swoon Rocker 144 (or 148)
~ Rossignol Frenemy 144 (could also ride the 147 but I think the 144 would be a better length/width overall
~ Salomon Rumblefish 144

I would also mention the Yes Hel Yes. Slightly more aggressive, but great edge hold for hard/icy conditions. The 146 would be your best bet with that one.

Hi Nate!
Looking to replace one of my boards and would love some some suggestions!
Quick background: 38 year old Advanced level rider, 5th season. 5’4”, 105lbs. Mainly East-coast rider (which means I need a board that bites into ice/hardpack) but take at least one big-mountain trip per year (Europe, Jackson, Banff, Mammoth…). More freeride oriented but still love to carve up groomers and love me my steeps. First-chair to last-chair kind of girl so inevitably ride quite a bit of bumps & moguls, and come across some rutted out stuff in the trees. Don’t ride switch much and stay out of the park. Powder days that coincide with days off of work don’t happen as often as I’d like lol. Average 30-40 days a year.
Currently on a 2017 Nitro Victoria (146) that I’ve managed to turn into a noodle though I loved it up until last week. My Pow board is last year’s Gnu FreeSpirit (love it too!). Like my boards to be responsive. Boots wise, 6-6.5 depending on the brand. Like a stiff boot and just killed my Ride Cadence after 1.5 seasons. Will be picking up my 32 TM-2 XLTs next week. Binding wise have some Now Vetta And some Ride DVAs.
Now for where I’m at in my search: Was thinking of the Yes Hel Yes but my local shop says it may be too soft for what I like? Someone recommended the Rome Winterland. Also considering the Never Summer Aura (but can’t find it in my size) and am seriously considering this year’s GNU B-Pro which I have managed to track down in my size. Would prefer to get a new board before my trip to Banff this March but if need be will hold out to next year (my shop mentioned LibTech is coming out with the Dynamiss next year which will be a ladie’s specific C3 and might be good for me, though I figure probably very similar to the B-Pro).
Would love your feedback and any other suggestions for a board to compliment my FreeSpirit and that will perform well out here in the East as my go-to regular board.

Usually I wouldn’t say something like the B Pro for what you’re describing, because it’s a more freestyle oriented all-mountain ride. Certainly aggressive, which would likely suit you, based on what you’re describing, but not great in powder. But since you also have the FreeSpirit, then it could be a good compliment. Even though on paper it’s rated as mid-firm, and the Hel Yes as mid (6/10), in reality I would say the GNU is more 6/10 flex, certainly once you’ve ridden it a bit. I tend to find GNU/Lib Tech boards feel a little softer than their flex ratings, usually. That’s been my experience. The Hel Yes maybe a little softer tip and tail.

Both the Hel Yes and B Pro are great icy conditions options. The Hel Yes more directional and freeride oriented. I would say the Hel Yes a little better in bumpy conditions.

I don’t test Rome boards currently, but based on the Specs of the Winterland it looks like a good option, if you’re looking for a stiffer ride and want something more directional than the B Pro. Based on specs a little stiffer than both Hel Yes and B Pro. Don’t know what it’s like in hard/icy conditions though.

I think the Aura would be a great option if you found that in your size. Maybe not the same edge-hold in hard/icy as Hel Yes and B Pro, but still good.

But yeah, as a compliment to the FreeSpirit, I think the Hel Yes, B Pro & Aura would all be good options – with the Aura being slightly stiffer and the other two being stiff enough, but more 6/10 flex, IMO. They would all be great for carving up groomers for sure. The Hel Yes and Aura a little more forgiving in messy/bumpy terrain. But if you’re looking for the most camber like feel, then B Pro would be it. With the Aura having a little more rocker between the feet – and the Hel Yes having that rocker towards tip and tail.

Hi Nate.
I’m looking at GNU Spam as my next board but can’t find enough reviews about it to help me to decide if that is the right choice for me. I’m definitely looking into more of freeride board, that will do ok on groomers too but will definitely be better in the powder than my current boards. I have been snowboarding for about 14 years and I think I’m more towards an advanced rider. After 3 weeks (3 years) on the board I have bought my first board Burton feel good 152. A few years later I felt I need something more advanced and after a long research I have bought GNU B PRO C2 BTX 152. I loved the board since I stepped on it, it felt like it was made for me! I’ve been riding it for so many years now and don’t wanna give it up! The only thing is, that it’s not great in the powder and the past few years as I have advanced I’m moving towards off piste/freeride riding more and more whenever I get the opportunity. Mainly I ride in the Alps. I went to Japan a couple of times and have bought Never Summer Raven for this trip about 4 years ago (I think it was one of the last Ravens if not the last one in their line) I went for 151 size as I thought shorter was better for the tree riding. It was great, nonetheless I ride my GNU back in The Alps. Now I’m going to do full on off piste week in The Alps and I think Never Summer Raven is short and quite narrow to keep the float in the heavier powder of Alps. I’m really intrigued by the GNU Spam but it’s quite short too and it sounds very stiff/aggressive – more than my Raven! How would the GNU spam perform in moguls, uneven terrain, trees? I’m 168cm, 77kg and I used to ride US size 9 Burton Sapphire boots with Lexa bindings. I have bought new boots Burton Ritual size 9,5 and I’m considering escapade bindings but I may stay with Lexa. Also looking at Jones boards as another option.
Many thanks,
Jitka

If you really like the B Pro, then I think you would like the SPAM, if you’re looking for a more powder ride. It has the same C3 Camber as the B Pro, but a lot of features to make it much more powder friendly (like a long nose and tapered shape (wider nose than tail) and overall being quite wide).

I wouldn’t say it would be any more aggressive than your B Pro (apologies, I just noticed I had 7.5/10 for the flex on here – it was meant to be 6.5/10 – not as stiff as that for sure – I have changed it now).

Vs the Raven, it’s more freeride oriented, IMO. It’s more directional and more setup for powder. So, even in a similar size, it should float better. The Raven does have more rocker in the profile, but I still think overall that the SPAM will float better, even in the same size. It’s also a much wider board overall, so that also really helps with float.

Size-wise, I would usually say closer to 155 for a freeride board for you, but since this board is wider, sizing down to the 151 is actually a good thing. And then that size down also helps for maneuverability in the trees. So that you still get that wider platform for powder float, but that shorter length for trees.

Bindings-wise, I would stick with the Lexas for the SPAM. The Escapade would work, but I think the Lexa are more suited. If you were to get Escapades, I would put them on the B Pro instead, and move the Lexas over to the SPAM. Or you could just use the Lexa for both.

Hi Nate,
Seems your quite the Guru; excellent job on responding to everyone’s in-depth questions.
So I’m best described as an intermediate Lev 5. I’m from the Southern hemisphere Australia/NZ so our snow is hard pack/icy, spring slush and we do get the occasional “powder” like substance but not light or in abundance. I have seen 1.2meters in 72hours that’s exciting for Australia lol. I have also heliboarded in NZ.

Was looking at Jones Twin Sis, GNU Klassy ,Yes HelYes or Capita Equaliser.
My local guy (but Canadian lol) knowing I wanted something Japan friendly but also realising I will be riding it at home in Aus an my yearly NZ trips suggested the Dream Catcher 148cm. He rode men’s equivalent of this & twin sis but thought the Explorer/Dream Catcher was great & good choice for for me.

Would love some feedback from you. Is 148cm too small? I should be closer to 135lbs then. Would 151cm be better??
Cheers Shell

Given that you’re looking for something to ride pow in Japan, but want to also be able to ride it back at home, then you’re probably not looking for a powder specialist, so I think you’ve got a good list going there. I would be leaning towards the Klassy or Dream Catcher, but a few notes.

Hel Yes: Would definitely do the job in pow and great for hard/icy conditions for when you’re riding in AUS/NZ. But the Klassy and Dream Catcher just that little better for pow.

Equalizer: Would also do a decent job in pow, but less suited to hard/icy – and still not quite the powress of Klassy and Dream Catcher

Twin Sis: Again would be fine for pow, and good for AUS/NZ too, but I would say that the Dream Catcher just has it over the Twin sis for pow

Klassy: Equal best for pow with Dream Catcher, and good for AUS/NZ conditions too. As well little more different than the other boards in your quiver, for better variety.

Dream Catcher: Equal best for pow with Klassy, and good for AUS/NZ conditions too. Also a little more different than the other boards in your quiver, for better variety.

Size-wise, for the Dream Catcher, I would say 151 is your best bet. It’s the kind of board you can ride a little longer, since it has less effective edge compared to overall length. The 148 is doable too, but for your overall quiver, I think the 151 makes more sense. And when looking at the effective edge (EE), the 148 has 109.9cm EE vs the Frenemy 147 (111cm) and Gypsy 143 (111.5cm). The 151 (112.5cm) would be 4cm longer than the Frenemy but only 1.5cm more in EE. For the other boards in the list, I would stick closer to that 148cm margin.

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